A profissionalização das organizações do futebol: um estudo de casos sobre a estratégia, estrutura e ambiente dos clubes brasileiros

Abstract

This research analyses the changes occurred in the organizational strategy, structure and environment of two traditional sports associations in Brazil, in the attempt to answer the following question: Inserted in a change process, how have the strategy, structure and environment of Cruzeiro and Internacional been modified? Can these changes characterize a process of professionalization? The research was based on a theoretical framework in which the main theories of professionalization, organizational strategy, structure and environment were discussed, making use of its main authors. In the methodological procedures a qualitative descriptive and exploratory survey was conducted, whose strategy is a multiple case study. Semistructured interviews and a documentary research were conducted to collect primary and secondary data. Of a total of twenty-one interviews, statements and information were obtained from hired and volunteer board members and staff who hold strategic positions, among which stand out presidents, vice presidents, directors and superintendents. For the documentary research and the trajectory of Cruzeiro and Internacional, data provided from the clubs themselves, as well as books, magazines, journals, and electronic information were used. The main results show: the increasing complexity of the football´s environment and the emergence of new actors in it; the intensification of the influence of external actors in these clubs activities; the transformation on the prevailing logic of football; the centralization of power in the strategic apex and the decentralization in the middle line and operating core; the increase of rationalization in their processes and workflow; a functional departmentalization; the increased hiring of paid and specialized professionals; the use of technology and information systems; the formalization of tasks and job positions; the use of impersonal and rational methods as instruments of the decision making process; and the adoption of formal planning and institutionalization of the strategy. It was found that there was indeed professionalization in the change process analyzed, in regards to the organization in general, not only strategic job positions. This process resulted in the transformation of the clubs activities and therefore, it´s results also. Both in Cruzeiro and Internacional, the professionalization is seen as beneficial, however, the changes observed do not mean that the transition of the legal status of sports associations to a business company is an objective, but the achievement of better sports and economic-financial performance.